Torrington Democrat Bob Hunter throws name into mayor's race

TORRINGTON >> Bob Hunter submitted his resume for the Democratic nomination in the city's mayoral race just over a month ago, joining three others aiming to unseat Republican Mayor Ryan Bingham.

Glenn McLeod, the city's Democratic committee leader, has publicly stated that he doesn't think any of the candidates have a chance of winning against Bingham, who is currently serving his third term and is in his eighth year in office.

McLeod told the Republican American that the candidates, "can't win in my personal opinion. There are a couple names that would be a lot of fun, but I'm not in it to have fun."

That should be a blow to Hunter, who thinks he could be the man for the job, but he said he isn't offended.

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"I didn't take it personally," said Hunter, who is originally from East Windsor. "He has his job to do and he wants to put the best person forward. As you age you learn to take less and less personally."

However, Hunter did say that he will be disappointed if his run for office doesn't play out.

"You can't get hung up on something that doesn't work out. You need to improve for the next time, so I will definitely talk to Glenn to see where he thinks my shortcomings are," said Hunter.

Although Hunter suspects he knows where his shortcomings are in this race.

"I'm a political neophyte," said Hunter.

But he hasn't let his inexperience stop him.

"I believe the political gene pool needs to be thickened," said Hunter.

Hunter said he was encouraged to throw his hat in the ring by several people around town. While he wouldn't give the names of specific people who encouraged him to apply, Hunter said he received many "firm suggestions" and he ultimately decided to submit his resume.

Hunter, who was registered as a Republican at one time but has since changed parties and now considers himself a Democrat, said he is fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

Hunter has some specific ideas about what a leader should do in Torrington, the town he has lived in since 1985 and loves.

First, Hunter said, a city leader should be visible. He believes they need to be out there touting the good of the town for everyone to see. Hunter does not believe that Bingham is visible enough in the community.

Second, a leader needs to have a vision, and Hunter said he doesn't think there has been a vision in Torrington for a while.

Lastly, Torrington needs to stop growing its retail sector.

"If you have too much (retail), it drives down the median household income and makes the area undesirable for people to move here," said Hunter. "They're all medium-wage jobs so they don't add to the economy. We're teetering."

Hunter said he thinks there are many problems within Torrington, a city he said has so much potential. He said the school district needs to be a major focus. Hunter had two children move through the Torrington school system.

"I don't expect teachers to be baby sitters but they need to create critical thinkers," said Hunter. "They embrace mediocrity instead of excellence. That's what I see."

He also doesn't agree with the idea of building a local economy on the arts, which is something he thinks Torrington is trying to do. He said he thinks that arts are critical because they "make rounded people," but basing your entire economy around that just "isn't feasible."

Hunter, who said his background is in the aerospace sector, said one thing he learned through his experience is that everything is about continuous improvement.

"It has to be part of the culture," said Hunter. "Nothing has been done in the City to improve processes. They just tell you there are cuts with no tools to help."

Hunter served as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy for four years in the 80s.

Hunter may readily call himself a political neophyte, but he holds many offices and shoulders a lot of responsibility within the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He currently holds four titles within the VFW. Hunter sits on the National Legislative Committee, he's the State Legislative Chairman, District 5 Commander and the Commander of Post 9086 in Torrington. He received the title of District Commander just this year and said it's been the biggest challenge because he is still new to it.

Hunter also organizes Torrington's Memorial Day Parade every year.

"Relating to people, I'm very strong in that area," said Hunter, and he thinks that strength will help him in office.

"I like Ryan a lot. He's an awesome person, but there are some things youth doesn't afford you," said Hunter, who admitted he voted for Bingham in the past.

At this point, Hunter is just waiting for the next step in the process. He said he does not know who the other candidates are.

Overall, Hunter said he wants the party to put forth the best candidate, and he hopes that person is him.